S1725A

The Senate passed legislation to expand environmental protections for Class C streams, advancing a measure that has been refined through multiple iterations to address concerns from both sides of the aisle. Senate Print 1725A, sponsored by Sen. Harckham, passed on a 42-19 vote and will take effect 90 days after becoming law. The bill aims to protect drinking water supplies for municipalities including Cortland, Peekskill, Guilderland, and Waverly that rely solely on Class C streams. Supporters argued the measure includes exemptions for local governments and farmers, with replacement-in-kind provisions for disturbances under 1,000 feet. Opponents, led by Sen. Borrello, characterized the bill as government overreach that would burden an already overburdened Department of Environmental Conservation and restrict farmers and local governments from essential activities like flood mitigation by regulating dry ditches. Nineteen senators voted against the measure, primarily from the Republican conference.